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Hollywood's warm embrace of Kamala Harris and their long history
(L-R) Actors Hilary Swank, Sean Penn and then-Attorney General of California Kamala Harris attend an event in L.A. back in 2012.
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Michael Buckner
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Getty Images
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Topline:
Kamala Harris is going to be the first Democratic nominee for president ever to come from the state of California. As she ascends to the top of the 2024 Democratic ticket, we take a look at Harris’ ties to Hollywood reveal. The entertainment community identified her political talent early and developed a significant relationship with her that could prove valuable in the race ahead and beyond.
Why it matters: If Harris is elected president, she’d be the most Hollywood-connected president since Ronald Reagan. What that would mean for the entertainment industry itself and its policy priorities is unclear, but when it comes to campaigning and donation dollars, Hollywood has been a veritable ATM for Democrats over the years. With the nomination of Harris, who has deep ties to the industry going back to her first major race more than two decades ago, those relationships could come in awfully handy.
How they’ve helped: During her first campaign for elected office in 2003, Harris ran to be the San Francisco district attorney. In a tight race, she pulled off the upset, thanks in part to the support of Chris Rock and Dana Walden, now the Disney Entertainment co-chairman. Years later, when she ran for California attorney general, she dazzled Hollywood crowds, who, in the wake of Barack Obama, were captured by a young, dynamic political figure. Her connection to Hollywood continued to grow as her career progressed and she made a home in Los Angeles with her husband. When she first ran for president in 2019, out of the large Democratic primary field, Harris had the most donors from Hollywood.
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More personal connections: Walden, who supported Harris as far back as her district attorney days, is a close friend. The two could often be found at popular dining spots in Brentwood with their husbands. Harris met her husband Doug Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer himself, through her friend Chrisette Hudlin, who’s married to producer-director Reginald Hudlin. Additionally, many in Hollywood who have met the vice president, either at events or in more social settings, report that she’s incredibly warm and speak highly of their relationships with her.
For more . . . read the full story on The Ankler.
This story is published in partnership with The Ankler, a paid subscription publication about the entertainment industry.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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